Deool Band 2 Review: I thought it was going to be an emotional, Marathi movie, but I had wet eyes, a heavy heart and so much respect for a film that has the courage to talk about one of the most painful realities of contemporary India. This spiritual successor to Deool Band has been directed, written and acted by Pravin Tarde and is very much on its own. The two films are not directly connected in terms of story, so it’s possible to enjoy this story without having to deal with the original film.
The most touching thing that I liked in the movie was the emotional honesty. There are not many films that really make me cry and Deool Band 2 did for me on several occasions. There are a few times when you feel so much love in your heart that you do not mind crying tears of joy as you start to weep. The movie shows the potential of a film when it shows rather than shouts. It has rich social critique and raises salient questions to ponder long after the movie’s credits.
This was a tale of the catastrophic problem of farmer suicides, which continues to plague Maharashtra and other parts of India. The first scenes are very interesting and set up the world very well. The emotional groundwork is slowly set for the next few minutes, about thirty. Then there’s the shocking sight of a farmer hanging from a tree and all the proceeding moments take on a new significance. That’s a remarkable string of events and the actor’s performance of the emotional load is very powerful.
But the best thing about the film is Snehal Tarde. She is the portrayer of a woman who suffers and is disappointed, and has completely lost faith in God. Her character is written with complexity, pain and anger; and Snehal is very sincere in her portrayal. When God comes into her life, she doesn’t take that for granted, she tests it. I don’t mean to give too much away, but her performance was something I will never forget even after I watched the movie. Once I saw this role, I was truly a fan of her work.
The film asks hard, but important, questions. If many farmers are producing food for the nation why are they unable to live their lives with dignity? Are they fairly paid for their work? What factors lead them to despair? But the question is – what can society do to avoid such tragedies? These are not problems that are discussed like a social lecture but are offered in a humorous, spiritual and dramatic way.
The iconic figure of revered Shri Swami Samarth stands as its kernel, and veteran actor Mohan Joshi is back to play the role. I had great expectations and he didn’t disappoint, having seen him play this role before. His performance in the early parts adds warmth and humour. Over time, he slowly becomes a source of spiritual strength and emotional comfort. Much of the devotion the film evokes lies in his screen presence.
There’s a slight lag in the middle of the story. Some of the stretches are a little longer than they should be and the pace wanes a bit here and there. But the movie doesn’t lag and climaxes with a bang. The emotional commitment is rewarded in a very gratifying manner at the end. The ending is impactful, provocative and unforgettable.
I have to give credit for the help of Pravin Tarde as well. Being a writer, director and actor is never easy, but he does all three well. His part doesn’t really carry the movie, but it’s still vital to the plot. Pravin Tarde and Snehal Tarde form a dynamic duo of a husband-wife partnership which adds a lot to the film.
I really liked the family oriented aspect of the film. It tackles serious issues, yet it is readily available to audiences of all ages and very engaging emotionally. It’s the type of film that’s good for the entire family to watch and talk about later.
It’s easy to see how the movie has been getting a ton of positive word of mouth. In some instances, marathi movies make a lasting impression on the culture and Deool Band 2 is one such movie. That was the kind of enthusiasm that was demonstrated by the audience when I screened. The theatre was full, and the tears and cries around me were testaments that the film had a profound impact.
I did have a minor gripe in terms of accessibility. The increased availability of translation would facilitate the viewing of the film, and its message, by people who are not Marathi speakers.
Lastly, do not rush out of the cinema at the end of the movie! There is a mid-credit sequence which brings an element back from the first film and also gives a hint of the future with the announcement about the third film.
Deool Band 2 is a devotional play, a social critique and an emotional film. It makes you laugh, think and cry at times. This is one of the most effective Marathi movies that I have seen, in my opinion, for the past few years.
Rating: 4/5
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